Root Canals

Root Canal Treatment in Waldorf, MD

Dr. Christian Johnson DMD makes it his mission to help patients of all ages achieve a healthy, beautiful smile they can feel proud to call their own. As a comprehensive general dentistry serving Waldorf, Maryland, and the surrounding areas, we're proud to provide a wide variety of treatments to help our patients maintain healthy, strong teeth, ranging from dental exams & teeth cleanings to implant and sedation dentistry. We use the most advanced techniques, procedures and technology so we can provide you with the high-quality treatment you deserve! At our practice, we place a strong focus on preventive care – but if dental decay does progress too far, root canal therapy to save even a severely decayed tooth is often a must.


How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?

Generally, f you have persistent tooth pain, especially in or around a tooth that has already had a filling, you may be in need of a root canal. Dr. Christian Johnson DMD has performed thousands of successful root canals for patients in the Waldorf, Maryland, area, and you can expect this procedure to a comfortable experience, both during and after your appointment. Root canal treatment is similar to having a routine filling and can usually be completed in just one or two visits to our office. Some of the telling signs that you may need to come into our Waldorf, Maryland, office for a root canal procedure include:


  • Constant and severe pain and pressure in the mouth

  • Noticeable swelling and extreme sensitivity in the gums

  • Sharp pain when biting down on food

  • Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods


What Is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal, also referred to as endodontics, is a procedure designed to save a tooth that has decayed beyond the point where a filling or crown is an option. Root canal procedures at Christian Johnson DMD treats problems of the soft pulp tissue within the tooth. Specifically, a root canal is necessary once a cavity penetrates through the enamel and dentin of the tooth, reaching the soft, fleshy dental pulp at the center of the tooth. Once the dental pulp is infected, the tooth is at severe risk of being lost – and left untreated, the infection can even reach the gums and threaten surrounding teeth. By cleaning out infected dental pulp and tooth material, filling the root canal with a biocompatible filler material, and sealing the tooth with a lifelike dental crown, we can restore the damaged tooth to its normal appearance and function, bringing your smile back to normal.


Incidents That May Require A Root Canal

You may have one of the following events that could affect your dental pulp and require a root canal:


  • Cavities leading to deep tooth decay – Untreated cavities eventually allow bacteria to work their way down to the center of the tooth where they’ll infect the pulp tissue.

  • Chipped or cracked teeth – Like with tooth decay, any opening in the protective enamel coating may allow bacteria inside to infect the pulp tissue.

  • Trauma to the tooth – Whether it results from a car crash, a sports injury, or something else, any blow to the face can cause pulp tissue damage.

  • Extensive dental work – Even having too much dental work done can cause damage to the pulp tissue. Having multiple fillings or restorations on the same tooth increases the odds that a root canal may need to be performed.


What Can I Expect If I Need A Root Canal Procedure?

Root canal therapy is one of the most routine and effective dental treatments – one that shouldn’t be feared or put off. If you need to undergo a root canal, here’s what you can expect at Christian Johnson DMD:


  • Anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. General sedation is also available, upon request.

  • After the areas are numbed, a small opening is made in the surface of the affected tooth in order to give access to the root canal and pulp chambers.

  • Tiny instruments are then used, sometimes with the aid of a microscope, to remove the dying and dead pulp tissue within these passageways.

  • Dr. Johnson will then open up the tooth canal to remove any infected, decayed, or dead tooth material or pulp. The chamber and empty canals are cleaned, disinfected, and filled with an inert, biocompatible material.

  • Adhesive cement is then used to seal the opening in the tooth to prevent future infection.

  • It may be necessary to have a crown or other restoration placed on it to further protect the tooth and restore it to full function.

  • Following your root canal, your tooth may feel tenderness or sensitivity. This is normal though and should go away after a few days. If you’re in discomfort, we recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, though prescription medicines may also be given if needed.

  • Once your permanent crown is in place, your new tooth is here to stay!


Why Should I Have A Root Canal?

The many benefits of saving a tooth with root canal treatment include:


  • Relieves Pain – Root canal treatment will eliminate the pain of having an infected, aching tooth.

  • Saves Your Smile – A root canal can help you avoid having to extract your affected tooth.

  • Protects Your Other Teeth – Saving a tooth with root canal treatment can protect your other teeth from excessive wear and strain.

  • Improves Your Oral and Overall Health – Once the infection is eliminated following a root canal, your oral health will improve. You will also be preserving your overall health as no bacteria from the infected tooth can travel via the bloodstream to other parts of your body.


Contact Your General Dentistry In Waldorf, MD, Today!

While Dr. Johnson and his staff members strive to prevent problems before they happen, a root canal is a convenient, highly-effective procedure that can help you preserve a natural tooth that would otherwise be lost. If you would like more information on root canal treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. At Christian Johnson DMD, we make getting the dental care adults and children need convenient at our Waldorf, Maryland, office. If you have more questions about the root canal procedure, sedation dentistry or any of other general dentistry services, we'd love to talk with you! Just reach out to us at our contact page or call 301-645-3230. We can't wait to hear from you, and we're excited to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime!